Fujica Compact 35 Manual

The Fujica Compact 35 is a classic 35mm film camera featuring a fixed 38mm f/2.8 lens, built-in light meter, zone focusing system, automatic exposure control, manual film advance lever, hot shoe for flash, self-timer, and battery check. Below are key sections for camera overview, features, operation, loading film, shooting techniques, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Camera Overview 2. Key Features 3. Loading Film 4. Camera Operation 5. Shooting Modes 6. Flash Photography 7. Specifications 8. Care & Maintenance 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Camera Overview

Main components: Camera body with 38mm f/2.8 lens, Film advance lever, Shutter release button, Exposure counter, Hot shoe, Battery compartment, Self-timer lever, Focus ring, Aperture ring.

Component	Description
Lens	38mm f/2.8 fixed lens with focus ring
Film advance lever	Advances film to next frame
Shutter release	Button to take photograph
Exposure counter	Shows number of exposures taken
Hot shoe	For attaching external flash unit
Battery compartment	Holds PX625 battery for light meter
Self-timer lever	Delays shutter release by approx. 10 seconds
Focus ring	Zone focusing with distance markings
Aperture ring	Controls lens aperture from f/2.8 to f/16
Light meter window	For built-in exposure measurement

Key Features

The Fujica Compact 35 combines compact design with advanced features for easy 35mm photography.

Fixed 38mm f/2.8 Lens: Sharp four-element lens ideal for general photography
Automatic Exposure: Programmed auto exposure with manual override
Zone Focusing: Simple focus system with distance symbols
Built-in Light Meter: CdS cell meter for accurate exposure
Hot Shoe Flash: Synchronized flash connection
Self-Timer: 10-second delay for self-portraits
Manual Film Advance: Lever-wind mechanism
Battery Check: Built-in battery test function

Loading Film

Proper film loading ensures smooth camera operation and prevents film damage.

Open back cover: Pull up rewind knob to open camera back.
Insert film: Place 35mm cassette in left chamber, pull film leader to right take-up spool.
Engage film: Align film perforations with sprockets, advance film until taut.
Close back: Ensure back is securely closed.
Advance film: Wind lever twice while watching exposure counter move.
Set film speed: Adjust ISO dial to match film speed (ASA 25-800).

WARNING! Do not force film advance lever. If resistance is felt, check film loading.

Camera Operation

Basic operation steps for taking photographs with the Fujica Compact 35.

Check battery: Press battery check button; needle should move to green zone.
Set focus: Turn focus ring to appropriate distance (portrait, group, landscape).
Meter reading: Point camera at subject; match needle in viewfinder for proper exposure.
Compose: Frame subject in viewfinder.
Shoot: Press shutter release button smoothly.
Advance film: Use film advance lever to prepare for next shot.

Tip: Hold camera steady with both hands to prevent camera shake.

Shooting Modes

The camera offers both automatic and manual exposure control.

Mode	Description	When to Use
Auto Exposure	Camera sets shutter speed automatically	General photography, quick shooting
Manual Override	User selects aperture manually	Creative control, backlit subjects
Flash Mode	Automatic flash synchronization	Low light, indoor photography
Bulb (B)	Shutter stays open while button pressed	Long exposures, night photography

Flash Photography

Using flash with the Fujica Compact 35 for low-light situations.

Attach flash: Slide flash unit into hot shoe until it clicks.
Set sync speed: Ensure shutter speed is at 1/30 sec or slower.
Check flash ready: Wait for flash indicator to show fully charged.
Set aperture: Use guide number calculation or auto flash setting.
Focus and shoot: Compose picture and press shutter release.

CAUTION! Do not look directly at flash when firing. Keep fingers away from flash head.

Specifications

Camera Type: 35mm compact rangefinder camera
Lens: 38mm f/2.8 Fujinon (4 elements, 3 groups)
Focusing: Zone focusing, 1m to infinity
Shutter: Programmed electronic shutter, 1/30 to 1/650 sec
Exposure Meter: CdS cell, ASA 25-800
Flash Sync: Hot shoe, 1/30 sec sync speed
Film Advance: Manual lever advance
Battery: PX625 mercury battery (1.35V)
Dimensions: 120 x 75 x 60 mm
Weight: 450g (without battery)

Care & Maintenance

Proper care ensures long camera life and optimal performance.

Cleaning: Use soft brush for exterior, lens tissue for glass surfaces.
Storage: Store in dry place with lens cap on, remove battery for long storage.
Protection: Avoid extreme temperatures, moisture, and sand.
Battery: Replace battery annually or when meter becomes inaccurate.

WARNING! Never use alcohol or solvents on lens surfaces. Do not touch shutter mechanism.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Shutter not firing	Dead battery, film not advanced	Replace battery, advance film lever completely
Light meter not working	Battery dead, incorrect installation	Check battery, ensure correct orientation
Film advance stuck	Film improperly loaded, end of roll	Check film loading, rewind if at end
Blurry photos	Camera shake, incorrect focus	Use faster shutter speed, check focus setting
Flash not firing	Not charged, poor contact	Check flash charge, clean hot shoe contacts

Warranty Information

Fujica Compact 35 comes with 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, accidents, or unauthorized repairs. For service, contact authorized Fuji service centers. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Service Centers: Available in major cities worldwide. Check with local Fuji distributor.

Note: This manual covers basic operation. Refer to advanced guides for specialized techniques.